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The following titles were reviewed in April 2009:

Taming the Wolf by Michelle Houston
The Golden Hour by Eliza Crowe
Marry Me or Die by D J Manly
The Witch’s Beast by Kiki Howell
For the Heart of Phillip by S L Danielson
Marked by Tears by L Shannon
Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage by Qwillia Rain
Dance Wars 1: Left Side of the Moon by Sophia Titheniel
Fixation by Mia Cherish and Jacqueline Quaid
If I Were a Lady… by Bryl Tyne
Sugar and Spice by Mari Carr
Common Powers 3: Edward, Unconditionally by Lynn Lorenz
For the Love of Jake by Luxie Ryder
Soul Stealer by Kimberley Troutte
Cruel Memories by Darcy Abriel
2050 by Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael
Bait and Switch by Ann Lory
His Woman by Diana Cosby
Stilettos, Inc. by Lexi Ryan
Prognosis by T D McKinney
Over My Dead Body by Michelle Bardsley
Wanted Dead or Alive by Jenna Byrnes
A Fostered Love by Cameron Dane
Night Angel by Renee Reeves
My Everything by Julia Barrett
Fathom’s Five: The Cross of Sins by Geoffrey Knight
The Man Hunt by Phyllis Campbell
Crossroads by Keta Diablo
Kona Warrior by Courtney Sheets
The Slayer’s Apprentice by Zathyn Priest
Warriors at Heart by Lynn Lorenz
Paxton’s Winter by T D McKinney
Drawn Together by Z A Maxfield
Wanting Sam by Shawn Lane

Title: Taming the Wolf
Author: Michelle Houston
Author’s website: http://www.eroticpen.net/
Publisher: Phaze Books
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781606591406
Length: Short Story
Format: Electronic
Genre: Werewolf GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 3.25

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

The rules of the pack state that if a newly converted werewolf cannot assume control over the beast inside him, he or she must be put down for the good of the pack. Their safety demands absolute secrecy. So when the pack leader sends Ben a new wolf for safekeeping, he knows that he needs to teach the young man to fight his inner wolf and win. Unfortunately, Nathan seems unable to rein in his beast, and no matter how hard he tries, the wolf continues to dominate him.

Ben doesn’t want Nathan to die. The younger man is his chance at a mate, because there just aren’t very many gay werewolves out there to choose from. Besides, Ben truly likes Nathan – they have a connection that is greater than simply desire, and he knows Nathan is the other half of his soul. As the deadline set by the pack leader approaches, will Nathan learn to dominate his second nature, or will the wolf overcome him? Nathan deserves a chance at life…and Ben refuses to let him go now that he’s found him.

Taming the Wolf is a short story about the struggle of one man to help his lover control a nature that has been thrust upon him. It is a story of love and trust and desperation, as Nathan and Ben search for a way for Nathan to live with his wolf side and to prove to the pack that he is not a liability to them. This task is difficult for Nathan, because while the wolf inside him is dominant, his human aspect is submissive. Both men have a lot of incentive to succeed, though – Nathan’s life hangs in the balance, and Ben doesn’t want to lose what might be his only chance at having a mate. As the time for Nathan’s “test” approaches, the tension of the story builds, and we the reader hang in suspense wondering whether this sweet kid is going to survive in the end.

I enjoyed Ms. Houston’s depiction of the wolves and how the wolf nature hides just below the surface and fights for dominance with the human side. Also, given the brevity of the story, she does an excellent job developing the main character Ben, sketching out a werewolf society, and creating a conflict that will fully involve the reader. I finished Taming the Wolf hoping that Ms. Houston will give us a longer story about her werewolves in the future.

--Bobby 

Title: The Golden Hour
Author:  Eliza Crowe
Author’s website: www.elizacrowe.com
Publisher: Eternal Press
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: ebook - 978-1-926647-68-5
print - 978-1-926647-76-0
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic, Print
Genre: Contemporary
Sensuality Level: 2.75
Rating: 4.75

Reviewed by: Teagan

Sarah and Malek have a tumultuous relationship. Even though they have strong feelings for each other, Malek is promised to a girl in his native Egypt, and he must marry her. Malek tries to stay away but his sexual need for Sarah is insatiable. Sarah thinks of him day and night, yet even though she knows he has a commitment, she can’t resist the pull to be with him. Their relationship is at an end, and Malek makes Sarah promise that they will meet in 20 years at Il Fortuna Café in Nice. Sarah awaits him at the designated time and place. Will he come? Will he be the same man she once loved?

The Golden Hour is a pleasant surprise. The story is a journey of self discovery. Sarah’s journey is not an easy one. The rocky road of emotional trauma she experiences is superbly written, and I felt as if I was right there with the character. Sarah is a survivor, and her choices reflect that. Malek on the other hand, is difficult for me to like. His feelings for Sarah seem genuine enough, but it is apparent that his love is extremely selfish. I enjoyed the addition of the secondary character Henry; his selfless love is sweet. It was easy to identify with the feelings Sarah has for Henry, and this brings a realistic feel to the story. I truly enjoyed the interesting way the story was written; it builds on the reader’s curiosity. This is a story that shouldn’t be missed. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderfully talented author.

--Teagan

Title: Marry Me Or Die
Author: D. J. Manly
Author’s website: http://www.djmanly.com/
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 9781554872602
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic       
Genre: Science Fiction GLBT
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 3.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When a new political regime takes over the planet, the emperor puts forth an edict: monogamy rules. All those over eighteen years old must marry – permanently marry – and those who do not will be considered criminals and will be treated accordingly. This is not good news for Silus. At twenty-four years old, he doesn’t believe in love, believes strongly in spreading himself around, and has no plans to ever settle down with a mate. So he’s not surprised to find himself incarcerated and facing judgment, and he knows he’ll be sentenced to either hard labor or death.

Crash is the emperor’s eighteen-year-old son, and he is facing the same ultimatum. He must find a mate and quickly. When his father appoints him judge over the trials of the unwed, a certain beautiful man catches his eye, and of course that man is the very worst offender of the lot. Crash figures that if he is going to be forced to marry, he might as well find as much pleasure in it as possible. He therefore makes Silus an offer he can’t refuse: Silus will marry Crash, or he will be executed for his crimes. Silus isn’t stupid. He knows he doesn’t really have a choice. Besides, marriage is not exactly a fate worse than death. Isn’t it?

D. J. Manly’s novella Marry Me Or Die is a quick and at times humorous read about a marriage of convenience that develops into something more. Mr. Manly’s relaxed and flowing style makes this a very speedy read, and I felt that the story was over almost before it had begun.

This is a very character-driven story, and Mr. Manly has given us some fun individuals to play with here. The interaction between Crash and Silus is very entertaining. They are alternately playful and sniping with each other. The emperor, who is outwardly pompous and didactic, is just a dad on the inside. He plays the long-suffering father when he is with Crash and the overbearing father-in-law with Silus to a pretty comic effect.

Crash is immature, choosing a life mate based on appearance and reputation, but what else can we expect from a young man who is just eighteen? He chooses Silus to marry out of teen-aged rebellion – just to upset his father – and he considers his mate a plaything at first. There were times when I was reading this story that I expected him to stamp his foot, pout, and whine “play with me!” not unlike a five-year-old. He may protest later on that he loved Silus at first sight, but we know that’s a load of hooey. It is just plain lust that drives him at first.

Silus is not quite as transparent as Crash is, but he is equally shallow at first. He is so adamant about not believing in love and is a dedicated party boy, so I enjoyed watching him come to the realization that what he feels for Crash is indeed the “L” word. I had to laugh at Silus’s aghast thoughts when he finds out that he’ll be married to Crash for at least sixteen years until he is forty. Indeed, old age will have definitely set in by then, poor man.

In all, I would say that Marry Me Or Die is a diverting read. Mr. Manly has a knack for entertaining his audience. He has other works that I have enjoyed more, but this one was definitely worth my time.

--Bobby

Title: The Witch’s Beast
Author: Kiki Howell
Author’s website: www.kikihowell.blogspot.com
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press (Torrid)        
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60313-504–7
Length: Novella
Format:  Electronic
Genre: Fantasy
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by: Teagan

This twisted turn on the classic story of Beauty and the Beast finds the tale from the witch’s point of view. The Witch, Saraphina, has been angered by Prince Amir and has turned him into a beast for not returning her love. The Witch has used the dark side of her magic to take away all that is dear to the Beast in hopes that he will turn to her. While keeping watch on the castle, she sees a fair maiden given to the Beast as payment, and he intends to keep her and wed her. The Witch will stop at nothing to see the Beast want her as she wants him. By using the oldest tricks in the book, will she be able to lure the Prince into her bed and make him want her as much as she wants him? Will it be forever?

This book has a decidedly wicked twist on a classic and is definitely not any storybook fairytale. Ms. Howell has taken a naughty turn on the classic, and this isn’t for the faint of heart. Though as with all fairytales, there is a lesson to be learned, it takes the erotic road in getting there. The Witch is a notable character. Even though she uses dark magic, she realizes that she must atone for that and does so in quite unusual ways. The Beast was hard to understand at times, not in a bad way, just due to the fact that I was never sure what to expect next and his actions surprised me most of the time. The sex scenes are unique and racy. If you are looking for a hot read, this is for you.

--Teagan 

Title: For the Heart of Phillip  
Author:  Stephanie L. Danielson
Author’s website: www.sldanielson.com  
Publisher: Lulu Press  
Release Date: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4357-2287-3
Length: Novella
Format:  Electronic
Genre: Contemporary GBLT
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 2.5

Reviewed by: Teagan

Phillip Marnier and Andrew Mathias-Bradley have been friends since Phillip was twelve and Andrew was ten. Though Phillip has always known he is gay, Andrew realizes his feelings a bit later. When Andrew decides to let Phillip know his feelings for him, it is too late; Phillip has a boyfriend, Robert Marshall. The story follows the three throughout their college years and into adulthood. The relationships between the three change and grow.

For the Heart of Phillip is an in-depth look at the workings of a relationship amongst the three  main characters. Phillip and Andrew are essentially well-written, with a great deal of emotion. Phillip and Andrew have a unique relationship and both characters have a hard time with commitment. I found it hard to follow at times, as the language does not seem realistic and is somewhat stilted. The constant changing feelings were hard for me to personally identify with, and though the characters had grown up in the book, it never seemed like they matured. Ms. Danielson has a solid core story of commitment issues and I am sure she will continue to progress as a writer. Although this story is not my cup of tea, it is surely an interest to others.

--Teagan 

Title: Marked By Tears
Author: L. Shannon
Author’s website: http://www.lshannon.net/index.html  
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing, LLC
Release Date: February 2009
ISBN: 9781605920207
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Paranormal
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Kry’n is a blood demon who has gone rogue. Even though the job of transitioning the souls of mortals into death is an honor and sacred duty for his kind, he found himself second-guessing whether or not the mortals that were marked for his attention actually deserved their deaths. Now, after performing his duty for thousands of years and suffering with each death he caused, he is on the run himself, prey to his own kindred. He has spent years constantly on the move, until the day he found himself at a homeless shelter run by Jane Morris and found in her the missing half of his soul. However, no sooner does he find her than he notices that she has the mark on her that identifies her as a target to his fellow demons.

Jane has been alone since the deaths of her husband and young son two years ago. When she finds out that she is marked for death, she welcomes it, because she blames herself for the fire that killed her family. In spite of Kry’n determined urging for her to run, she plans to stay where she is and face what fate has in store for her. But Kry’n is not willing to allow that to happen; he knows that now he has found her, he cannot survive without her. If she refuses to run, then he will stand and fight for her, even though that will undoubtedly mean the end of his life as well.

L. Shannon’s novella Marked By Tears is part of Noble Romance’s “Child of the Week” series. This story represents the line “Wednesday’s child is full of woe” in the nursery rhyme, and true to the poem, it is a story that revolves around deep sadness and loss. This story is about two grief-stricken souls that come together to heal each other. The demon Kry’n has experienced so much grief that tear tracks are burned indelibly onto his cheek. Jane is so wracked with grief and guilt that she welcomes the prospect of death. Not that she wants to die, but she believes that she deserves to die. This story would be something of a downer except for the fact that it is essentially a romance and we therefore know that there will be some kind of happily-ever-after.

This story is too short for us to get much more than a brief taste of the characters. In Kry’n, we have a hero who has broken a vow and abandoned his honor. Although we don’t in general like heroes who abandon their duty, Kry’n is an exception to this rule, because he broke his vow due to his belief that what he was doing was wrong. This demon, then, wears a bit of a halo, and we like him for it. Jane is also essentially a sympathetic character. She overcomes what appears to be initial selfishness when she has to ask herself if she is willing to be the cause of another creature’s death. Not a pleasant prospect, given the guilt that she already feels.

At times, this story gets a little melodramatic, such as when Kry’n says to Jane, “Don’t cry for me, Jane. Having tasted heaven, I’ll gladly go into hell if that is the will of the creator.” However, even though it teeters on the edge of being too much, this sentiment is appropriate for the tone of this story. Kry’n plays the role of Jane’s savior, and part of being a savior is self-sacrifice.

For all this talk of grief and self-sacrifice, we cannot discount the physical connection between these two. Ms. Shannon has created a couple of blistering love scenes between her two characters. Although the idea of having sex with a demon initially brings to my mind images from Rosemary’s Baby, these scenes are not the stuff of horror – they are highly sensual. Since when are wings, horns, and fangs sexy? Oddly enough, they are just that in this story, or at least Jane seems to like them, anyway.

After reading Marked By Tears, I’m definitely interested in reading some of Ms. Shannon’s other work. She offers a very wide range of dark fantasy, and visiting her website to choose is like stepping into a candy store. Making a choice is going to be incredibly difficult.

--Bobby

Title: Diablo Blanco Club: Unfair Advantage 
Author: Qwillia Rain
Author’s website: www.freewebs.com/clubdiabloblanco
Publisher: Loose Id LLC         
Release Date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59632-806-8
Length: Novel
Format:  Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by Teagan

Bryce Halsey needs a wife quick and what better choice than his administrative assistant, Mattie Lawrence. In order for him to take over the family company, he has to convince the board of directors that he isn't a playboy and that he is serious about becoming head of the company. So marry he must. For eight years, Bryce has been waiting for Mattie to gain her confidence and grow up . . . into his very own submissive. Brought up in the Dominant lifestyle, he knows he wants Mattie and can't get enough of her, until he realizes how much she loves him and he isn't sure he can return that love.

Mattie has been in love with Bryce for years and knows all about his background and his affiliation with the Diablo Blanco Club, a BDSM club that all of Bryce's family and friends belong to. Her interest and longing for the submissive lifestyle have her yearning for Bryce to take control of her. When he offers up the marriage of convenience with all the benefits of a real marriage, Mattie decides to see if he can show her the BDSM lifestyle and see if it is what she truly craves. Mattie craves and loves Bryce, but he shows no signs of returning that love, he only seems to enjoy her body . . . can she make him love her or is it a hopeless case?

Unfair Advantage is an in depth look into the BDSM lifestyle. Some twists and turns within the lifestyle make it an interesting read. Mattie has a haunting past that has shaped the woman she is, and has many hurtles to overcome. Ms. Rain has done an excellent job of painting an emotionally broken background for Mattie yet shows that a person can overcome many odds. Bryce is also emotionally challenged, but it is much more hidden. The blend of the two characters works well and the challenges make the story much more interesting.

When I first started reading the story, the "marriage for convenience to save the company" was reminiscent of the category romances of the 80's I have read and gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. That feeling was quickly replaced with plain, old unadulterated heat as the sexual play between the characters started. From BDSM to menage, this story will take you on quite the ride while pulling at your emotional strings.

--Teagan

Title: Dance Wars 1: Left Side of the Moon
Author: Sophia Titheniel
Author’s website: http://sophiatitheniel.net/
Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC
Release Date: December 2008
ISBN: 9781605211480
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre:  Futuristic Werewolf GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4.25
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

In a land decimated by the Third World War, the United States no longer exists. Most of the landscape is wastelands, and cities are ugly pits of violence crawling with thieves, scavengers, and mutants. Life is dangerous, and just about the only way to get a parcel delivered from point A to point B is to use the services of the Pony Express. To ride for the Pony Express, a man has to have steel nerves, quick reflexes, and eyes in the back of his head. Lachlan has all of these attributes. He is reckless and a little wild, and he loves what he does, riding his motorcycle with speed and skill and pushing himself to the limit. He’s a loner, and life for him is about the freedom and the ride. That is, until he steps in a bar called Chlodwig and meets Adair, a dancer and a member of one of the scavenger packs.

Lachlan and Adair’s meeting is a heated clashing of wills that evolves into a sexual encounter so intense that it is burned into Lachlan’s memory. Although they part in as much anger as they came together, Lachlan is hooked, and he finds himself seeking the man out again and again despite Adair’s warnings to leave. It’s a less than ideal match, and to further complicate matters, Adair is a werewolf. The sex between them may be mind-bending, but the wolf who comes with the full moon would love nothing more than to tear Lachlan apart.

Sophia Titheniel’s Dance Wars 1: Left Side of the Moon gives us an eerie vision of a post-apocalyptic world that has a little bit of The Road Warrior flavor to it. This future has werewolves in it, however – creatures that are apparently the by-product of radiation mutation. Life in this world is a struggle for survival, and that is reflected very effectively in this story, which is gritty and violent and has no soft edges.

With a title like Dance Wars 1, we know that this is the first of several stories in a series. This introduces the main characters – Adair and Lachlan – and presents them with an obstacle or three that they must overcome, but it comes to no resolution. It begins their relationship through a series of desperate and graphic sexual encounters (extremely steamy, so be prepared!) and gives us a chance to get to know Lachlan a little. The story does not allow us to know Adair at all, but I have a feeling that his time will happen in the next episode in this series.

This story is written in the present tense, and I found that to be an interesting touch. I find that narrative in the present tense is a little chancy, because when it fails, it’s excruciating to read. Not so in this story, however. Ms. Titheniel uses her narrative very effectively, and the present tense pulls the reader right into the story to and immerses them in the action.

My feelings about Dance Wars 1: Left Side of the Moon are a little bit mixed. Overall, I enjoyed the story and am intrigued as to what Ms. Titheniel has planned for these characters. The dance wars part of the story felt a little odd to me and a little out of sync with the rest of the narrative, though. I’m going to trust that Ms. Titheniel is planning to take this somewhere as the rest of the story develops. Always a good idea to trust the author! I see that the second and third story in this series have been released, so I’m going to have to make some time in my schedule to read them, for sure.

--Bobby

Title: Fixation 
Author: Mia Cherish and Jacqueline Quaid
Author’s website: www.miacherish.net
Publisher: Devine Destinies  
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 978-1-55487-266-4
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Vampire
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by: Teagan

Malcolm Blackmon is a newly made vampire, straight out of the mausoleum, and straight into the arms of ballerina Emily Kagan. Thinking that Emily is his donor waiting for him to give him nourishment, he can’t resist a little taste. Unfortunately, Emily is not his donor, and she is in the cemetery helping her little brother with a school project. Malcolm has been made a vampire to become part of an undercover vampire team.

Emily and Malcolm’s lives are entwined and neither is sure what is going on. Malcolm feels Emily day and night, and Emily can feel his body and hands on her even when he isn’t there, and her emotions are getting stronger for him. Neither can explain their feelings but both know that the other is very important. Forces work to keep them apart. Can they be together or was in never meant to be?

This is an interesting and new twist on romance. The Fixation that Malcolm has for Emily will thrill the reader while still maintaining a degree of sweetness. The character interaction is unique, since a majority of the story is done through feelings not actual actions. Emily is a wonderfully written character; she is caring and strong. Malcolm is a completely different entity. The authors have created a vampire world and need that is different from any other I have read. The vigilante slant is creative, the vampires are given a lot in life that almost vindicates their basic instinct of being a hunter. I enjoyed that I never seemed to know what might happen next and found myself cheering them on against the odds. If you are looking for something a little bit different, grab this book. You will enjoy it.

--Teagan

Title: If I Were a Lady…
Author:  Bryl Tyne
Author’s website: http://bryltyne.com/
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing, LLC
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781605920252
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic       
Genre: Contemporary GLBT
Sensuality Level: 3.75
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Fifth grade English teacher Kendra Wright has been sent on a mission: scope out the new school principal and report back to her girlfriends on whether he is as studly…and as single…as they have heard he is. Her friends are breathless in anticipation, but Kendra is not sure what all the fuss is about. She’s pushing thirty, has given up on finding love, and is just about ready to settle down and declare herself a professional spinster. She almost dies of embarrassment when she trips on her heels and lands on her butt right in front of the man, but then she looks up into the dark eyes of Valerian Riche, and finds him to be gorgeous, charming, and every inch a gentleman. Everything she has ever hoped for.

Kendra honestly does not expect Val to be interested her, but given his obvious reaction to her, he certainly seems to be. In fact, he pursues her and asks her on a date. Very few men are attracted to women like her, because although Kendra is definitely a lady, she wasn’t born with the right equipment. Were she to reveal to Val that she is not actually female in every sense of the word, their relationship would end immediately, and she so enjoys his company and the romance and the attention he lavishes on her. She knows it’s not fair to lead him on, especially because he says he’s falling in love with her. If only she were a real lady…she wouldn’t be having these difficulties.

When I look for something new to read, I tend to search for something different. Something a little bit unusual, even. Let’s admit it, there seem to be a finite number of plots that truly work well with romance, and reading the same thing over and over again can get just a little bit monotonous, regardless of how talented the author is. Since I was actively searching out the unusual, I certainly hit the jackpot with Bryl Tyne’s If I Were a Lady. Perhaps I’m a little sheltered, but I have never before found a story that addressed the Transgender portion of GLBT. In If I Were a Lady, Ms. Tyne approaches this perhaps controversial subject in a manner that is matter-of-fact and even sometimes humorous. And while it was the subject matter that initially caught my attention, it was ultimately the characters and their central conflict that held it for the duration of the story.

Ms. Tyne has given us a cast of extremely complicated characters in this story, and she has developed them in such a way as to make them not only realistic but also downright lovable. Kendra is in a unique situation. There is no doubt at all that she is very much a woman, regardless of the fact that she is not technically female. As a reader, I identify with her as a woman, except for a few instances when she shows a surprising flash of a dominant territorial male side. This is just enough to keep the reader from getting too comfortable with the situation and to remind us that for all that Kendra appears to be female, it is the not-female aspect of her that is posing a problem here, because the character Val is most definitely a ladies’ man.

Ms. Tyne treats both the story and her characters with an affectionate humor that is completely irresistible. It is this bit of humor that adds a touch of realism to the story and also keeps it from lapsing into melodrama. Yes, the central issue is both serious and emotional, but there is no need for it to be maudlin. My own penchant for humor is showing here, I know, but it is also because of this that I will be seeking out other works by Ms. Tyne, regardless of their subject matter. Well done, indeed.

--Bobby

Title: Sugar and Spice
Author: Mari Carr
Author’s website: www.maricarr.com
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing      
Release Date: April 2009          
ISBN: 9781419920790
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary BDSM
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: Teagan

Ginny Brooks and Ryan Travers have been best friends for twenty years. What are best friends for if they don’t come to your rescue when your boyfriend cancels your birthday weekend? It is Ginny’s thirtieth birthday, so Ryan decides to take her to the new sex club Way Down Under, since she has been hounding him about going. The idea is to only let her into the bar and not the rest of the club, unfortunately a minor spat sends Ginny off on her own and she ends up in the “sex” part of the club. When Ryan finds her in the Voyeur Room he can’t resist punishing her . . . in an oh, so fun way. Ginny experiences sexual needs she never thought she would, and after the most amazing sex in her life, she realizes that her best friend means so much more to her. But can she convince Ryan of his feelings?

Turn up the air conditioning for this extremely hot read, because you are going to be on fire. The friendship between Ginny and Ryan is comfortable, they have been friends for so many years that they know most of each other’s secrets. The realization that Ryan’s sexual preferences fit so well with Ginny’s needs is an eye-opener for them both as well as for the reader. The story of the friends that become lovers and the possible fallout has been well done, and the author does a great job of building on the insecurities that go along with that type of relationship. Ryan and Ginny’s story, though short, is well rounded. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie among all the characters in the book, and I hope that Ms. Carr is going to write books for the secondary characters. If you like a bit of kink and a lot of heat with a little fun thrown in, this is the book for you.

--Teagan

Title:  Common Powers 3: Edward, Unconditionally
Author: Lynn Lorenz
Author’s website: www.lynnlorenz.com
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 9781596329102
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary GLBT
Sensuality Level: 3.75
Rating: 4.75

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Edward Beauregard the Third has a special talent – by laying his hands on others, he can ferret out what is ailing people, and he can usually heal them as well. Too bad he can’t heal himself, because he’s had his heart broken so many times that he’s almost gotten used to the pain of rejection. After yet another breakup – a very loud, very public, very embarrassing breakup – with a boyfriend, he feels the need to hide and lick his wounds. His mother’s request that he travel from Atlanta to small town Texas to check on his ailing grandmother could not have come at a more opportune time, and so Edward and his dog Winston hit the road. Unfortunately, as soon as they reach their destination, Edward is pulled over for speeding, and the situation goes from bad to worse when Winston takes exception to the handsome police officer and decides to bite him.

Arresting a bulldog for assault is not exactly the way that Police Chief Jack Whittaker wanted to spend his day, and having to deal with the man who comes with the dog? A nightmare. From his mannerisms to the fringe on his shirt, the guy is just so…gay. Jack knows that this conservative little town is just going to eat Edward alive, and if he spends too much time with the fellow, folks are going to start giving him second glances as well. Regardless of how attractive Edward is, Jack has worked too hard at staying in the closet to let one man and his dog ruin it all. He knows that the best thing for him to do is ignore his developing feelings for Edward, because he simply can’t give the younger man what he needs. After a lifetime of derision and rejection, Edward deserves someone who is not ashamed to be with him. Someone who will love him – unconditionally.

Edward, Unconditionally is the third novel in Lynn Lorenz’s Common Powers series. Although this novel can stand alone, you will probably find that reading the previous two stories in order will enhance your enjoyment of this novel.

This is a love story, but it is not simply about romantic love. Equally important in this book are the love of friends and family and the love of oneself. In Edward, Unconditionally, the characters learn that they must love and accept themselves for who they are before they can look outside themselves for that emotion. Although the characters are forced through an emotional wringer continually during this novel, the story never once becomes overblown or maudlin. Ms. Lorenz has woven an irrepressible thread of humor through the narrative, endearing the characters to us almost immediately while making reading this story a true pleasure.

I’m a sucker for stories that feature animals in them, so I truly enjoyed the bulldog Winston being a key player in this novel. Not only does he bring the two main characters together by biting Jack at the beginning of the story, but he acts as a foil for both Jack and Edward. Through Winston, we see that although Jack may be a bit of a control freak, he has a softer side. Jack doesn’t have to take the dog home with him, and he certainly doesn’t have to spoil him and teach him much-needed obedience, but he does anyway. And we like him all the better because of it, because we see his nature reflected in the way he treats the animal. Winston also reveals Edward’s vulnerable side. Edward may be a smart aleck and flamboyant on the surface, but he identifies with Winston as a kindred spirit. Neither of them is “show quality” or worthy enough for the perfection that their breeding demands. This lack of self-worth on Edward’s part is heart-breaking, because he is in dire need of love and respect.

Ms. Lorenz builds the sexual tension between Jack and Edward with an expert hand. It begins slowly thanks to Jack’s extreme case of denial, but the chemistry between the two men is so strong that once Jack  finally gives in to his feelings for Edward, the resulting love scene is intensely sensual and almost explosive. Of course, sex doesn’t solve the problems the men face, but it does cement the fact that these two belong together.

As I read Edward, Unconditionally, I found myself laughing, wiping away the occasional tear, and hoping that this perhaps mismatched couple would find a haven with each other and the happiness that they deserve. I was utterly captivated by both the story and its characters, and I enjoyed every moment of the read. I am quickly becoming one of Ms. Lorenz’s fans, because I have yet to be disappointed in anything she has written. In fact, with each subsequent release, she just seems to be getting better, and this makes me look forward to her next novel with much anticipation.

--Bobby

Title: For the Love of Jake 
Author: Luxie Ryder
Author’s website: www.luxieryder.com
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc. 
Release Date: January 2009
ISBN: 1-60601-393-9
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by: Teagan

Hallie is running a dude ranch to make a living after her husband, Jake, died suddenly. She loves the land and she loves her ranch, and she loves her husband who still resides in her bedroom. For reasons unknown, Jake’s spirit is still present and he still can make her as hot as ever. When a dude ranch guest, Adain shows up, Hallie can’t deny her attraction to him. Jake is unusually thrilled, since his ultimate fantasy was a threesome. Jake’s hold over her, and her feelings for Aidan collide and things are going to get steamy . . . but can there be a happy ending?

For the Love of Jake is successful in bringing an unusual twist to erotic romance. The fact that Jake is a ghost and is pushing for a threesome is quite unexpected. His abilities to engage in sexual relations with Hallie brought a great dimension to the story. His limitations only add to the storyline. Hallie is afraid to let go of the past and the comfort Jake brings her. She loves him and always will. Aidan knows what he wants and that is Hallie. He isn’t afraid to go after what he wants, and  I really liked his character, and couldn’t help but a root for him. I recommend this book to anyone that likes their romance with a unique twist.

--Teagan

Title: Soul Stealer
Author: Kimberley Troutte
Author’s website: http://www.kimberleytroutte.com/
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Release Date: March 2009        
ISBN: 9781605044736
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Paranormal
Sensuality Level: 2.5
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Back around the beginning of time, Cain killed his brother Abel in a fit of anger. Since then, he has been reviled as a murderer and the personification of evil, and now he spends his time acting as Death’s general, dispatching the souls of the dying. He hates his job, hates witnessing the pain and suffering of millions, and is deeply miserable about the death of his brother and subsequent loss of his family. When he is sent to gather the soul of a young woman with a heart defect, all he wants to do is get it over with. He’s not expecting to encounter a persistent young woman who begs for just two more weeks of life and who is willing to do whatever it takes to make Cain give her that time.

Sara always knew she would die young. Her entire family has shared this heart defect, and she has watched them all die, so she knew her time would be coming soon enough. But she is just a few weeks away from opening her homeless shelter, which would help so many people and keep them from freezing on the streets. Her bargaining of sexual favors for two more weeks of life is a desperate move, but Cain accepts her offer, much to both of their surprise.

Allowing Sara two more weeks of life means that Cain has stolen a soul that rightfully belongs to Saint Peter, and the denizens of Heaven are not going to just look the other way. Demons and hellhounds are released to capture her, and it is all Cain can do to keep her alive. As they work on borrowed time to prepare the shelter, Cain realizes that what he thought to be simple lust is actually much more complicated than that – he has fallen in love. But how can she love him back? He is the father of murderers and deserves neither forgiveness for his crime nor her love. It’s a moot point, anyway, because when the shelter is complete, Saint Peter will finally claim her soul for his own, and Cain will be left once again alone.

Kimberley Troutte’s Soul Stealer takes the “Death falls in love” theme and gives it a twist that makes it unique and entertaining. In this story, Death – or, actually, Death’s leader of the pack – is Cain from the Book of Genesis. I admit that I had to brush up on my biblical lore to understand some of the references, but that is not because the references themselves were obscure but merely because my memory was a little rusty. Ms. Troutte uses a deft hand blending the Biblical and the mythological in this story, and when we encounter Biblical characters, the effect is that of meeting up with old friends. It’s not unlike watching a movie that has cameo appearances by much-loved actors.

Soul Stealer touches on a wide range of emotions – sadness, humor, fear, anger, and love – and fully involves the reader in all of these.

The main character in this story is undoubtedly Cain, and Sara is merely a supporting actor. For millennia, Cain has been unable to forgive himself for causing his brother’s death, and working as a collector of souls is a penance of sorts for him. It takes loving Sara for him to see that maybe he is worth a little forgiveness. And, of course, he has to forgive himself before he can seek that emotion from others. I found him appealing from the very beginning of the story, in spite of his bad reputation. For all that he is immortal, when he pours his grief out to Sara and interacts with his mother Eve, it makes him appear very human. And it is because of this humanity that we wish him happiness. Sara as well, of course, but she is so “good” that there is never any doubt that she will end up in a better place.

In all, I found Soul Stealer to be very readable and quite enjoyable as well. Ms. Troutte has given us a bit of a gem in this story, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for other works of hers.

--Bobby

Title: Cruel Memories 
Author:  Darcy Abriel
Author’s website: www.darcyabriel.com
Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC     
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60272-501-0
Length: Short Story
Format:   Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: Teagan

Haley has come back to Falcon Hill for her husband, Devon. It has been ten long years since she was almost destroyed  by her other step-brother Gavin, and the step-brother she has always loved, Devon, saved her. Gavin is gone for good, and Haley must get Dev to put away the past and start living their life together. She must convince him to have a true marriage, not this sham of a marriage in name only. The evilness of Falcon Hill cannot be allowed to have a hold over their lives anymore, and she just has to convince Devon they have a chance at happiness.

Ms. Abriel packs a big punch into a small story. I found Cruel Memories compelling and moving. The story touched me on many emotional levels, from the horror of Gavin’s transgressions to the undying love that Haley has for Devon. Haley is prepared to do anything to make Devon come to terms with the past and see how much she loves him, she shows a strong will, and I was impressed by her.  Devon is a broken man that has lived his life in the cloud of evil, constantly trying to make up for all of Gavin’s mis-deeds. I was drawn to him and to his pain. If you want a short, steamy read with great depth and emotional chemistry, this book is for you. 

--Teagan

Title: 2050
Author:  Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael
Author’s website: http://www.mychaelblack.com/ and http://www.theprincesangel.com/
Publisher: Phaze Books
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 9781594266737
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Futuristic – Suspense - GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 3.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

The year is 2050, and New York is being menaced by a serial killer known as The Vivisectionist. He sees his victims as canvas on which to create his art, and once each masterpiece is finished, he leaves it for the police to find. Homicide detective Julian Anders and his partner are in charge of investigating the case. When Richie England comes to the precinct claiming to be a psychic who has had visions about the case, Julian listens only reluctantly. However, when the young man’s tip pans out, Julian changes his attitude post haste and is more than willing to cooperate.

Julian and Richie are faced with an immediate attraction to each other, but Julian figures that the psychic is much too young for him to get involved with. Their bond is undeniable, however, and soon “the cop and the flake” are much more than simply acquaintances; they are lovers.  But even as they chase The Vivisectionist, it becomes apparent that other forces are working with him. Forces that are not human and that only Richie can see. When the killer sets his sights on Richie, the case becomes more than just business for Julian – it becomes personal. And he is not going to let anything – human or inhuman – take the one he loves away from him, even if it means dipping into the realm of the unknown.

In their novel 2050, Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael combine suspense, romance, and a touch of the paranormal to make a novel that is designed to take its reader on a trip to the near future. This story presents us with a picture of forty years from now that feels very realistic. It’s not wild and outrageous, nor is it horrible and post apocalyptic. It simply feels slightly more advanced than the present; some social issues have been resolved, but many others remain.

Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael have written many novels together and have developed a facile style that makes for effortless reading. They breathe life into their main characters, so that we begin to feel like we know them as we read the story, and we therefore care about what happens to them.  

Although this story is on the whole quite well written, I found myself getting a little bogged down in the relationship between the two main characters. The story of their love is very sweet, but it tends to overshadow the element of suspense in the novel: the threat posed by the serial killer and the mystery presented by the paranormal shades. I also simply never got a handle on the unworldly element of this story. Although 2050 ends with a promise that there will be a sequel, I was left feeling a little bit abandoned. So many questions were left unanswered, and so many ends were left dangling, and while I do not doubt that these will all be resolved in the next novel, it didn’t keep me from feeling somewhat frustrated at the end of this one. This does not mean that I will not be seeking out the following novel, however. Far from it. I’m now hooked on these characters, and I need to know what happens to them.

--Bobby

Title: Bait and Switch
Author: Ann Lory
Author’s website: http://www.annlory.com/
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance, LLC
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781602021358
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Sensuality Level: 3.75
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Anna Jackson is New York attorney who is in Las Vegas this week for a conference. After having her work and subsequently her promotion stolen from her by the man that she thought loved her, her self-confidence is a little bit battered. She is now driven by a single-minded focus: to prove she is the best and to get that promotion to partner that she deserved. Anna’s friends, however, are concerned for her. She is no longer the happy, caring woman they knew. In a wild attempt to force their friend to relax, they hire a male escort for Anna. He will be hers for a week, and they figure that if he can’t get Anna to relax, nothing can.

Devon McGuire does not come cheap, but he is very good at what he does. He’s not only gorgeous, but he’s a gentleman and an absolute professional as well. Although he’s a little taken aback by the fact that Anna doesn’t expect him, something about her intrigues him. Her friends have already paid for his time, so he pulls out all the stops to charm her and to show her the time of her life.

After a week in each others’ company, Devon and Anna find companionship and friendship and passion. They also, unexpectedly, find love. But what good will love do them – an attorney and a gigolo? They are completely mismatched for each other, and even if they wanted to give their relationship a shot, it would be impossible. At the end of the week, Anna is returning to New York, and Devon has clients lined up that need his particular brand of attention.

Ann Lory’s novella Bait and Switch is the first story in her Frisky Business series. This is a quick and entertaining read based on the “whore with a heart of gold” theme. The author’s effortless writing style makes for pleasant reading, and she has included enough additional conflict to catch and maintain the reader’s attention.

Although one might be tempted to classify the two main characters as “types,” Ms. Lory does an excellent job breathing life into them and making them multidimensional individuals that we can care about. Devon might be sophisticated and the ultimate ladies’ man, but he’s human enough to feel embarrassed when he encounters another client while in Anna’s company. In addition, through his willingness to pursue Anna gently and to share part of his private life with her, we see that although he may be a prostitute, he has a caring and sympathetic side. Anna is more than she appears as well. She is determined to appear a corporate shark, but this is more in reaction to her being hurt than her true nature. In her soul, she is a philanthropist, and all she really wants to do is help people. I found her devotion to ice cream to be particularly endearing and Devon’s willingness to indulge her in this is even more so.

The women who make up Anna’s circle of friends are definitely worth a little attention as well. Ms. Lory has developed them into real characters and not just hazy side-kicks, and this makes me wonder if perhaps future stories in this series will revolve around them. I hope so, because they certainly are an entertaining lot and have wonderfully devious minds.

The love scenes in Bait and Switch are very sensual. This makes sense, since Devon is a professional who is supposedly an expert at giving women pleasure. What makes them especially appealing is the fact that he does not treat Anna like “just another client” and that the love-making means something to him.

All told, I found Bait and Switch to be well worth my reading time. So now I wonder: which of Anna’s four friends will star in the next book in the Frisky Business series? I look forward to finding out.

--Bobby

Title: Stilettos, Inc.
Author: Lexi Ryan
Author’s website: www.lexiryan.com
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60777-142-5
Length: Novel 
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Urban Fantasy Suspense
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.75

Reviewed by: Teagan

Empathy, mind-reading - future and present - and kicking ass when it is needed are what the private investigative firm, Stilletos, Inc. is all about. This is a highly trained team of gorgeous women that all have "Special" talents, and beauty and brains is only part of them. Each woman has her own distinct special power that enables her to get the job done. Now the Stilettos team have a problem, other Specials are starting to disappear, and the girls are on the case. Unfortunately the SIA, Specials Investigative Agency, team headed by Darian Lorring is on the case too, and things are getting a little too close for comfort for Stilleto girl and empath Paige Sykes. Darian and Paige spent one amazing night together, and now he is determined for there to be more and intends to thwart her at every turn, with his powers and a little naughtiness.

With the number of missing Specials on the rise, and fingers pointing at Collin Raines, Paige’s ex-boyfriend, the Stilletos girls need to get to the bottom of what is going on. An old myth about drinking the blood of a Special might be a key to the puzzle. Stilletos, Inc and the SIA are going to need to help each other to figure this one out. Intrigue and lust abounds.

Step into a whole new world of intrigue and adventure with Stilletos, Inc. I was instantly captivated by the Specials and their abilities. The author has done a superb job of creating a society within a society and provides the readers with the ability to feel right along with the character. I was ensnared by the story. The character development was full circle, and I didn’t feel like anything was left out. Paige is strong, vibrant, and is possessed of an innate ability to feel deeply for those she cares about. Her loyalty to her ex-boyfriend/mentor seems somewhat misplaced, but we all know that letting go is sometimes hard to achieve. The relationship between Paige and Darian is smoking hot. Ms. Ryan does a wonderful job of having the characters have abilities that both complemented each other and at times keep them at odds. It is a perfect marriage of conflict and compatibility. The secondary characters are superb as well. They take on a life of their own and make the reader want more. Hint, hint Ms. Ryan! Sequel?

It is hard to touch on all the reasons I liked this book so much, as there are so many facets to the story. Suffice it to say that if you want something a little different with wonderful twists and turns along with some super steamy, passionate sex, this book will be right up your alley. Ms. Ryan is an excellent story teller and has a finesse in her writing that keeps the reader wanting more.

--Teagan

Title: Prognosis
Author:  T. D. McKinney
Author’s website: http://www.tdmckinney.com/
Publisher: Devine Destinies – eXtasy Books
Release Date: January 2009
ISBN: 9781554872138
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational
Sensuality Level: 2.5
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

After being shot six times in the line of duty, police detective Ethan Gaylord has been pronounced by medical staff to be in a Permanent Vegetative State. His family wants to pull the plug and end his life, but Cathy Harris, his partner on the force and the person Ethan was protecting when he was shot, disagrees with them. Cathy doesn’t want to believe that Ethan will never wake up, and she refuses to sit by and watch his family kill him. She has a very strong faith in God, and that faith is now telling her to not give up on her friend.

Ethan is glad that Cathy is not giving up on him, because while he might not be able to move or react, he is fully aware of everything that is going on around him. He listens in horror as his family dismisses him as a lost cause, and he clings to Cathy and her presence with every bit of consciousness he can muster. He doesn’t share Cathy’s faith in a higher being, but he does have faith in her.

When in-depth tests prove that Ethan does have some brain function, Cathy volunteers to manage his care so that his family members can return to their own important little worlds. As weeks and months slip away and Ethan improves incrementally, they both find that they have feelings for each other that go beyond simple gratitude. But can they possibly have a life together? Cathy loves Ethan and is more than willing to dedicate her life to caring for him, but he can’t help but believe that she deserves more out of life than an invalid husband.

First of all, a warning: this book is a tear-jerker, so be prepared with a box of tissue or a handkerchief or something when you read this story. Don’t let that deter you from reading it, however, because T. D. McKinney’s Prognosis is a well-written story that is enjoyable as well as touching. It is not a soap opera nor is it a Sunday school story. This is simply a very moving story about faith and love, whether it be faith in God or faith in one’s fellow man

I’m not exactly sure why this is classified as a spiritual novel by the publisher. One character – Cathy – has a very strong faith, and that faith does influence her thoughts and actions. Ethan, however, is not particularly religious. He accepts Cathy’s faith for what it is, but he is certainly not a religious convert, and this story does not preach to the reader, either.

The characters Cathy and Ethan are both well-developed and interesting. Cathy is deaf, and while poses some roadblocks in her life, it becomes an unexpected blessing in her interaction with Ethan. She is indeed very religious, but she is not preachy, and that aspect of her personality did not make me uncomfortable like religion usually does. It is simply a part of her like her deafness or her blonde hair. Although we don’t get to know Ethan before his injuries, we still get to know him very well during this story both through his thoughts and Cathy’s observations. As he lies in a hospital bed, this thoughts race desperately, and his panic is almost tangible. The only person who believes in him is Cathy, and my heart almost broke for him as he wondered if his family was simply going to abandon him and let him die in the hospital.

Perhaps it sounds as if this story is overly melodramatic. It is indeed a drama – high drama, even – but I don’t think it is overdone, in spite of my need for a tissue or two while reading it. Prognosis still left a smile on my face at the end. If you’re looking for a story that is sweet but still involving, you may wish to give it a shot. I personally am glad that I read it.

--Bobby

Title: Over My Dead Body
Author: Michele Bardsley
Author’s website: www.michelebardsley.net
Publisher: Penguin Group          
Release Date: May 2009
ISBN: 978-0451226778
Length: Novel
Format: Print
Genre: Contemporary Vampire
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 5

Mechanic Simone Sweet is a woman with a past. With her abusive husband gone, and her daughter healing though still not talking, Simone's life as a vampire is quite mundane. Mundane is about to walk out the door as hunky, ex-paramilitary operative Braddock Hayes walks in. Simone is trying to live the straight and narrow, and Brady has her wanting to throw it all out the window. When bad things start happening in Broken Heart, Brady and Simone's violent pasts are closer than either thinks. Will they be able to save Broken Heart and each other, or will the worst happen?

Yet another superb installment of the Broken Heart series! This book was impossible to put down, and it left me wanting a pixie of my very own. Filled with the usual humor that is so typically Michele Bardsley and which we have all come to love, Over My Dead Body is a hit. Simone is not your typical character, and her emotional depth and inner strength is an inspiration. The appeal of this book goes beyond the usual humorous vampire story, Ms. Bardsley touches upon the subject of domestic abuse and the guilt and fears that it causes in people’s lives. Brady is so sexy and sweet, and I wanted to snatch him up for myself. I have enjoyed his character in the previous book and was thrilled to find out more about him. He is entertaining and exciting. I was especially thrilled with some of the new characters that were introduced and the background explanation of existing characters. The suspense will have you on the edge of your seat and you will not see what is coming next. This book has so much to offer, and it is going to be an instant bestseller. Michele Bardsley is an excellent author, and she never disappoints this reader.

--Teagan

Title: A Fostered Love
Author: Cameron Dane
Author’s website: www.camerondane.com
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781596329027
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When Christian Sanchez’s foster mother dies, he begins the difficult task of sorting through her belongings and preparing the house for sale. Not many of the children that she fostered over the years bothered to show up for her funeral, so Christian is surprised when Jonah Roberts appears on the doorstep. Fifteen years ago, Jonah was Christian’s bunkmate at the foster home for a total of three months. During that time he idolized the older boy, and he was devastated when Jonah was taken away to Juvenile Detention. Seeing the man again after all these years brings all his old feelings to the surface and makes Christian realize that perhaps the youthful crush he had on his friend was more than that.

Jonah has lived a life of anger and solitude over the years, disconnected from the world and refusing to allow anyone close to him. He never forgot his young friend, but he is completely unprepared for how seeing Christian again after all these years threatens to shatter the emotional numbness that he has worked so hard to attain. Although he came to the funeral to honor his foster mother, he stays to help Christian with the house, and as they work together, their tentative steps toward rebuilding their friendship quickly develop into much more.

The joy of rediscovery is tempered by the reappearance of a lover from Christian’s past. When what began as a small annoyance escalates into obsessive behavior, they know that they have a potentially dangerous stalker on their hands. Although Jonah is determined to keep Christian safe, neither man is prepared when they find themselves staring down a desperate and deluded man from the wrong end of a gun barrel.

What makes a home? Four walls and a roof? Love and acceptance and a sense of connection? Cameron Dane’s A Fostered Love is about finding a home and holding on to it in spite of one’s fears.

As always with Ms. Dane’s work, this is very well written. A Fostered Love grabs your attention and pulls you into the story so that you feel like you’re there, painting the walls and tearing up flooring with them. It’s not full of danger and adventure, because the focus of this story is the relationship between the two heroes; however, the stalker David adds a suspenseful touch to the story that I quite enjoyed. The stalker acts as a catalyst for Jonah to face his fears and to see that the one thing he wants the most is also that which frightens him the worst.

Christian and Jonah are an endearing pair in this story. Jonah doesn’t have many social skills, and that trait makes him an interestingly flawed character. After the social isolation that he has kept himself in for so long, he finds his new emotions overwhelming. He has always felt “defective” because of his disconnection, but once the feelings start rushing in, he sometimes wishes he were back in that that place of numbness.

Ms. Dane is an expert at creating sexual tension, and these two have it in spades. The love scenes are very sensual and are also emotional, as Jonah reaches out and embraces his relationship with Christian with both arms, and Christian discovers that what began as a teenaged crush has developed into love.

As so we come back to the question: what makes a house a home? In A Fostered Love, home is not just walls and a roof to keep the weather out. Rather, it is the person and the emotion that are found in the house that make a home.

--Bobby

Title: Night Angel
Author: Renee Reeves
Author’s website: http://www.myspace.com/renee_reeves
Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions Publishing Company
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9780980224634
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Western
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Morgan Fletcher’s move from Chicago to rural Montana is an attempt on her part to begin anew. After the death of her husband, all she wants is a place to heal where no one will hurt her or judge her. She’s no stranger to pain: the six years she spent being abused by her husband gave her more than enough to last a lifetime as well as a scarred face and a permanent limp. Now she’s an hour and a half from the closest city, and she plans to paint and to have as little to do with other people as she possibly can. Especially men. Men, she has found, are mean and violent and like nothing better than to hurt.

Nick Evanoff is a horse trainer who runs a sanctuary for unwanted and abused horses. He, too, feels the pressure of other people’s judgment. Although he was released from prison ten years ago, he will always bear the stigma of being an ex-con. When he first sees Morgan, he thinks she is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. But she is as skittish and untrusting as one of his abused horses, and he knows that if he wants to get close to her, he’ll have to take it slowly. The fear that he sees in her eyes makes him want to draw her close and protect her from the rest of the world.

One step at a time, Nick and Morgan move slowly together. She finds proof in him that not all men are violent and abusive and finds that physical intimacy does not have to be accompanied by pain. Nick wants nothing more than to become a permanent part of Morgan’s life, but there is one giant obstacle in the way. His time in prison was served because he killed a man, and nothing can erase that from his past. Will this woman who has suffered so much violence still love him when she finds out the truth about his past?

Night Angel by Renee Reeves is a story about a woman who has suffered in the past and must learn to trust again. This novel is well-written and emotional, and while the emotion occasionally may flirt closely with being melodramatic, it is appropriate to the story being told. The author’s writing style and smooth narrative drew me into this story very quickly, and her characters held my attention for the duration of the novel.

One interesting aspect of Night Angel is the fact that the antagonist is dead. Morgan’s deceased husband is about as rotten a villain as one could imagine, and the descriptions of the violence that he inflicted on Morgan are absolutely horrifying. Even after death, he holds a tight rein on her, because her perception of the world and is now colored by the abuse she suffered at his hands. She can hardly make a move without being overwhelmed by unpleasant memories.

The two main characters are drawn in such a way as to make them very sympathetic. Nick has a hard and tough exterior that contrasts completely with the nurturing individual he is within. Due to the mistake he made in his past, he doesn’t feel as if he is worthy of being loved, although he has plainly redeemed himself over the past ten years. Morgan is basically afraid of her own shadow, but she is making an effort to overcome her fears, and that shows a strength that she doesn’t realize that she has. When she and Nick finally progress to physical intimacy, the scenes are not only extremely sensual, but they pack an emotional whallop that is not always present in sex scenes. I thought they were very well done.

In all Night Angel is a well-written and enjoyable novel. Because it deals with the subject of domestic abuse, it might not appeal to some folks, but I personally found it to be more than worth my reading time.

--Bobby

Title: My Everything
Author: Julia Barrett
Author’s website: http://juliabarrett.wordpress.com/  
Publisher: Cerridwen Press       
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781419919121
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4

Reviewed by Teagan

Ben McCall has been “dead” for over a year, ever since his wife and unborn child were murdered in an embassy bombing; he has retired from his dangerous job as a security specialist by pretending to be dead. Now someone is gunning for him, and in an attempt to bring Ben out of his self exile, the person has kidnapped his younger sister and killed two other security specialists at his old firm. Ben’s main aim is to find out who is behind this and get his sister back. He never expected to run into his first love in the process.

Grace can’t believe it is Ben McCall that comes to her rescue when she has one of her extremely debilitating migraines and locks herself out of her hotel room. It is almost like time stood still and she still has the same feelings she had for him years ago, before he walked away without a backward glance.

Ben can’t believe the feelings that Grace evokes in him, and as he gets closer, he can’t help but worry about the danger she could be in from their association. The killer is doing anything and everything to get to Ben ,and the danger is getting closer. He can’t live with himself if Grace is in danger because of him.

Julia Barrett tells a very suspenseful story that keeps the reader glued to the pages. The danger portrayed felt real to me. Ben is living a shell of a life trying to deal with the death of his wife and unborn child. His realizations along this perilous journey to rescue his sister and keep Grace safe keep the story interesting. Grace is a strong woman with one heck of a backbone. She is well-written and easy to like. I really enjoyed these characters and the courage they showed in the face of danger. Both of them are wounded by the loss of their loves and have an emotional wall to climb over. The author has done a superb job of bringing her characters to life and giving them the ability to grow and learn. If you are interested in a romantic suspense with substance, this book is for you.

--Teagan

Title: Fathom's Five: The Cross of Sins

Author: Geoffrey Knight
Author’s website: geoffreyknight.blogspot.com
Publisher: STARbooks Press
Release Date: June 2008
ISBN: 1934187313
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic and Print
Genre: Action/Adventure GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When an archeological dig in Turkey turns up part of a stone tablet that is reputed to name the location of a sixteenth century statue known as “The Naked Christ” or “The Cross of Sins,” Professor Maximilian Fathom is charged with the task of decrypting the tablet and finding the antiquity. To this end, he summons a team of experts and adventurers from various corners of the world to assist him. These five young men – a biologist, a cartographer, an artist, a historian, and a treasure-seeker – will chase across England, Turkey, Italy, and the Mediterranean under Fathom’s guidance. What begins as a simple treasure hunt, however, soon turns into something much more dangerous, because they are not the only ones on the hunt for the missing statue.

Hidden for centuries, The Naked Christ so outraged the Church that the artist was tortured and put to death after he unveiled it. Although it is considered by some to be a symbol of freedom and a fight against oppression, there are also those who would see the statue destroyed for that very reason. With just that in mind, an ancient religious faction known as The Crimson Crown is staging their own hunt for the treasure and is dogging the steps of Fathom’s team. The Crimson Crown is more than willing to kill in order to accomplish their goals and have a long history of committing acts of violence in the name of God. If they reach the statue first, The Naked Christ will never be disclosed to the public, and an international treasure will be lost forever.

Fans of the action and adventure take note: Geoffrey Knight’s Fathom’s Five: The Cross of Sins starts with a bang and hardly lets up for a second. Readers will be propelled from the deserts of Turkey to the top of a double-decker London bus to the canals of Venice to the bowels of a volcano with barely a moment to catch their breath. Who has time to breathe, anyway, when the hero is sliding hell-for-leather down a lava tube in the belly of a volcano just barely ahead of a ton of molten rock? Not me, that’s for sure.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I picked this book up. Honestly, I had never heard of a “gay adventure soap opera,” as Mr. Knight refers to his Fathom’s Five series (and yes, this is the first of a series). Sure, I’ve read gay romances, but this is not a gay romance. This is Indiana Jones meets Doc Savage meets Charlie’s Angels with a strong dash of DaVinci Code thrown in for good measure. And while that description may sound tongue-in-cheek, what it ultimately is…is fun.

This novel has a very Technicolor cinematic feel to it. Mr. Knight describes the surroundings in such a way that the reader can clearly see the setting in their mind. Everything is larger and more vivid than life – the characters, the plot, the conflict. Moments of humor interspersed with the adventure lighten up the story a bit. Who knew that camels could add a comic touch or that it is potentially dangerous not to get dressed immediately after a shower? (Note to self: towels are not appropriate wear for a shoot-out; pack combat boots next time!) While this may not lend an air of realism to the narrative, it certainly adds to the pure entertainment factor.

Three separate cliff-hangers make the reader beg for a sequel to Fathom’s Five: The Cross of Sins. Just a little patience will be rewarded, because the wait won’t too terribly long – the next installation, titled The Riddle of the Sands, is due out in October. So my question is this: is it October yet? Because I really want to know what happens next.

--Bobby

Title: The Man Hunt
Author:Phyllis Campbell
Author’s website: www.phyllismariecampbell.com
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press          
Release Date: 2008
ISBN: 1-60154-085-X
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4

Reviewed by Teagan

Dr. Jordan Reed is a lady with a mission: she must find a pretend fiancé before her ex-boyfriend and her stepmother, who are married, show up on her doorstep. She sure didn’t think her friend would put an ad in the paper looking for someone with acting ability to “help” Jordan out. Being a psychiatrist has not exactly been conducive to finding a boyfriend; as soon as they find out her profession they pretty much run the other way. While finding herself attracted to two men at once and getting threatening letters, Jordan’s life is about to take many new turns.

Brock Hamill is a man with a mission: he is determined to bring Dr. Jordan Reed down. His kid sister committed suicide while seeing Dr. Reed, and Brock is sure that Jordan is to blame. He intends to have her license revoked, even if he has to go undercover to get it done. Although he is playing the part of pathetic Brock in order to have psychiatric sessions while at the same time being the masculine, self-assured “Rocky” in his bar, Jordan doesn’t realize she is being played and that they are indeed the same man.  She just knows that she is extremely attracted to both men.

The Man Hunt pleasantly combines romance, sensuality, and a bit of suspense to capture the avid interest of the reader. Jordan was so easy to identify with on many levels. She has been burned in love before, and her wariness of men is understandable. Her insecurities seem a contrast to her profession, but this adds a wonderful dimension to her character and therefore makes her feel extremely human. The barrier she puts up to protect herself succeeds in bringing a new depth to her character.

Brock is harder to define. His anger over the loss of his sister is understandable, yet his need to try and destroy Jordan is hard to swallow. I had a hard time liking him at first because of the deceit. His portrayal as pathetic Brock, the patient, was a bit creepy, while him as Rocky was quite sexy; therefore, I wasn’t sure how to “take” his character. He quickly won me over as I saw his need to protect Jordan come to the surface. The book is well-written and the story flows very well. It was easy to read and kept me on edge wondering what would happen next. Ms. Campbell has a knack for telling a story and bringing it to life. I will be putting her on my list of authors to watch.

*Teagan

Title: Crossroads
Author: Keta Diablo
Author’s website:  http://ketadiablo.blogspot.com/ 
Publisher: Phaze Publishing
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781606591390
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary – Paranormal – Thriller –  GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4.5
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Five years ago, Frank McGuire’s partner on the Baltimore police force, Quinn Brennan, was killed while on duty. Frank resigned from the force the next day, became a private investigator, and now specializes in finding missing children. When Quinn’s widow calls him asking for help finding her missing son, Frank doesn’t hesitate. Although he hasn’t seen the boy – who at twenty-two is no longer a child – in five years, he remembers how Rand used to look at him with more than just hero-worship in his eyes. He also remembers his own guilty response to the younger man. Now it seems that the brat has dropped out of college to smoke pot, roam the streets, and “find” himself. When Frank finds him, he’s going to teach him a lesson and drag him home by his collar if he needs to.

Frank finds Rand easily enough, and what is supposed to be a scare to send him home ends up being a mind-blowing sexual encounter. Frank also finds that Rand is in possession of evidence linking him to a series of brutal killings in Baltimore. Killings that he has been consulting on for the police force. What is Rand’s link to the killer known as The Black Rail? Somehow, the younger man has gotten himself mixed up in some pretty nasty business. Whether Rand wants it or not, Frank is going to get him out of this mess and put a stop to the killer’s hold on the city.

In Crossroads, Keta Diablo gives us a tale of crime, passion, and the paranormal rendered in an almost film noir style. This short novella is less a full-blown story than it is a slice of life for its characters. It documents how the relationship between the two main characters begins, and it sets a tone for the interaction between them, but it certainly doesn’t resolve any differences between them. It also leaves Rand and Frank with a “happily for now” ending and does not address the possibility of a “happily-ever-after” for them. If Ms. Diablo were prone to write series, I would hazard a guess that we would meet up with these two characters in the future.

In Frank and Rand, Ms. Diablo gives us characters who are not particularly likeable but are fascinating nevertheless. Frank proves himself to be sympathetic by the fact that he uses his psychic gift to find missing children. However, he also exhibits a selfish and perhaps even predatory side in his treatment of Rand. Rand exhibits a typical youthful thoughtlessness when he cuts himself off from his family for the sole purpose of smoking weed and exercising his independence. The reader can’t help but think that he perhaps deserves any lesson that Frank doles out. In a way, he does need to be “scared straight.”

Title: Kona Warrior
Author: Courtney Sheets
Author’s website: N/A
Publisher: Ravenous Romance           
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60777-200-2
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic       
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: Teagan

After getting fired from her job by a bitter ex-boyfriend, a heated plea from her great-aunt to return home to Hawaii to help her keep the family home is a godsend for Gloria. Upon returning to the island, her aunt begs her to use a bit of magic and help her cast a spell to get help from the Hawaiian gods. The spell works only too well, and none other than a shark guardian god emerges from the surf, all male and completely and undeniably gorgeous. Wildly enough, Gloria recognizes him immediately as the man in her recurring dream. Mano has been summoned to help, and he can't help but want to help himself to Gloria; he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. His time is limited, as the curse that has been put upon him means he must return to the sea. The flame between Mano and Gloria is strong, but is it strong enough to break the curse? And will they be able to save the only home Gloria and her great-aunt have ever known?

A mixture of magic, fantasy, and tropical paradise, this book will pull you in and hold your interest throughout. Kona Warrior is a wonderfully written paranormal fantasy that delves into a new realm of mythology. The Hawaiian paranormal angle is new and unique to me, and I am hooked. I was transported to the sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii. As the story unfolds, I found myself entrenched in the mystical and sensual aspect of every word.

Gloria is my favorite type of female character: she isn't stick thin and model material. She is realistic and witty yet has the normal uncertainties most women have. She was easy to identify with, and I would love to trade places with her with a hero like Mano. Mano may very well be every woman's fantasy come to life. I was instantly drawn to him as he sees Gloria as beautiful and voluptuous, and his protectiveness of her was sexy. Ms. Sheets does a fabulous job of bringing her story and characters to life. I found myself cheering for the outcome. I will be looking to read more by this talented author. 

*Teagan

Title: The Slayer’s Apprentice
Author: Zathyn Priest
Author’s website: www.zathynpriest.com
Publisher: Torquere Press Publishers
Release Date: January 2009
ISBN: 9781603706018
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Psychological Suspense
Sensuality Level: 2.5
Rating: 5+ Keeper

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Senior Police Constable Daniel Hart is not the type to pick men up in bars, especially not men who steal his wallet and threaten to spit in his beer. But when he first meets bartender and small-time thief Phoenix Love, Daniel is completely captivated by him, however rude and antisocial Phoenix might be. He knows that it is going to take patience and care to get close to the skittish and paranoid young man, but Daniel is so enthralled that he is willing to go as slowly as necessary.

Phoenix clearly has some issues, and it soon becomes apparent to Daniel that he is deeply emotionally damaged. Ligature scars around his wrists and ankles testify to past abuse, his behavior borders on psychopathic, and he clearly isn’t who he pretends to be. So who is Phoenix Love? When a nightmare evolves into hysteria and Daniel finds Phoenix covering the walls and floor of his room with inverted crucifixes, the mystery surrounding the young man’s identity takes on a sinister cast.

After a four-year hiatus, the serial killer known as The Crucifix Slayer is once again active in Sydney. He is crafty and intelligent and leaves absolutely no clues behind that might lead to his identity, and the members of the police force are just about at their wit’s end trying to capture him. Especially Detective Paul Somerset of the Sydney Criminal Investigation Branch, who has been chasing T.C.S. for five years now. This case has turned personal for the detective, and the erratic behavior of a certain young man named Phoenix Love raises a red flag in his eyes.

Somewhere, there is a link between Phoenix Love and T.C.S., but what is it? Paul is determined to prove Phoenix is somehow involved in the killings, and Daniel is equally determined to protect him. Unearthing the truth is a painful and ugly process, and when the connection between the disturbed young man and the killer is finally revealed, it is more terrible and intimate than they could ever believe.

I’m not exactly sure what I expected when I started reading Zathyn Priest’s novel The Slayer’s Apprentice. If you have read my earlier reviews, you will see that I enjoyed his The Curtis Reincarnation very much, and while Mr. Priest did tell me that this novel is not like Curtis, I think that deep down I perhaps was expecting a similar tale. I was wrong. He was right. (Moral to this story: listen to the author!) This story is indeed completely different, and it is absolutely wonderful. This is not a pretty story: it is a dark story filled with pain and anguish and evil. There is love in The Slayer’s Apprentice, but this is no sunshine and daisies kind of love; this love is obsessive and confusing and painful.  

Mr. Priest’s writing style submerges the reader completely in the story. The story, the characters, and the action all come alive, giving the story an impressive emotional impact. As I read, I found myself spellbound, glued to the page, and extremely reluctant to put the book down even for an instant. This lead to a certain amount of sleep deprivation for me, because reading The Slayer’s Apprentice kept me up until the early hours of the morning. Sleep is overrated anyway, isn’t it?

I find that characters in most stories elicit pretty simple responses: you either like them or you don’t. Not so in this case. These characters are very complex. Paul’s obsession, Daniel’s addiction, and Phoenix’s erratic behavior trigger a wide range of emotional response, so that one minute you feel one way towards the character and then five pages later you’re having a change of heart. As the story progresses, the puzzle pieces that make up Phoenix’s personality and mental instability fall into place. Mr. Priest doesn’t leave it up to the reader to figure this psychological mess out on their own but spells it out in horrifying detail.

I found this book to be utterly engrossing and definitely one of the best books that I have read in a long time. Without a doubt, The Slayer’s Apprentice is going on my Keeper shelf, and I think that if you decide to read it (and take my word on it: you need to read this book), you will agree with me. Now I must keep my beady eyes open for Mr. Priest’s next offering, because I strongly suspect that it will be a knockout as well.

--Bobby

Title: Warriors at Heart

Author: Lynn Lorenz
Author’s website: www.lynnlorenz.com
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Release Date: December 2008
ISBN: 9781596327511
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Vampire
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Maybe it’s a little old-fashioned, but Fiona Meadows is saving herself for marriage or at least for “the one.” As a result, she's still a virgin at age twenty-six; not necessarily a bad thing, unless there are vampires around needing to capture a virgin for an initiation ceremony. When she finds herself naked and facing rape and exsanguination along with several other virgins, she is grateful for her martial arts training.

Nicodemus Marks is a vampire hunter and assassin. He’s used to playing hero and rescuing virgins from certain death. When he breaks up this particular party, the last thing he expects to see is one of the girls dispatching the vampires with a sword. Naked. Talk about a woman after his own heart! He never thought he would find a mate, let alone one who is a fellow warrior. Up until now, Nic’s life has revolved around his belief that vampires are vermin that need to be exterminated. For him, it’s a pretty simple matter: humans are good, vampires are evil. End of story.

But when the two remaining vampires in the region ask for help rescuing a human from a common enemy, Nic’s black-and-white world is challenged. It becomes apparent that not all vampires are evil – at least not these two, who are rapidly becoming friends. When the Council insists that Nic dispatch the vampires regardless of his misgivings, he must decide whether to follow his heart or stick to his sense of duty. Fiona loves Nic, but she knows that it would be wrong to kill these two who have almost become friends. Will their love survive his decision? Would she be willing to betray him to save two souls that are possibly damned beyond redemption anyway? Life is full of difficult choices, and none is more difficult than having to choose between love and honor.

Readers who are familiar with Lynn Lorenz’s other work may be a little surprised that she has come out with a story about vampires. I certainly was, but even though vampire novels are not my number one choice of reading material, I picked up Warriors at Heart because I’ve enjoyed other books by Ms. Lorenz. And because the blurb said something about a talking lizard, and I just had to know what that was all about. The verdict? This novel is well worth the read. It’s original, well-written, and just plain fun. Warriors at Heart is a novel about love and transformation and kicking vampire ass.

This story revolves around two couples, the warriors Nic and Fiona and the vampires Ivan and Annie. Nic and Fiona are the focus here, but it is clear that Ivan and Annie will get the attention they deserve in a future novel. Both of the male leads are transformed by the love of their mate: Nic begins to see that the world is not just black and white, and Ivan realizes that he has something to live for and that there’s nothing wrong with being a “good guy” really. Nic and Fiona are both irresistible, because they combine strong personalities and larger-than-life abilities with quirks that make them each very human. The interaction between them mixes humorous repartee with sexual tension, and when they finally decide to do away with Fiona’s virgin status, they almost scorch the bed sheets.

As we read and enjoy the development of the two couples’ relationships, threats linger in the background. The overall nastiness of the Vampire Board of Elders and the narrow-mindedness and inflexibility of the Council inject a serious tone, and we know that however blissful the couples might be at any particular moment, they will eventually have to deal with these threats. They are not going to simply go away.

If I had to choose one character in Warriors at Heart to be a favorite, it would be the smart-mouthed lizard Cho. This creature seems to carry fun around with him and just about steals any scene that he appears in. He might be a lizard, but he’s a wise little guy, and he frequently seems like the only voice of reason in the room, especially when Nic and Fiona are at odds with each other. 

Ms. Lorenz has an entertaining and free-flowing writing style that makes this novel a pleasure to read. Of course, now I want my own talking lizard. Wonder where I can find one?

--Bobby

Title: Paxton’s Winter              
Author: T.D. McKinney
Author’s website: www.tdmckinney.com         
Publisher: Amber Quill Press - Amber Allure    
Release Date: April 2009
ISBN: N/A
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Historical Western GLBT
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4

Paxton Terhune has been on the run for three long years. After escaping a mob that lynched his lover, he has been falsely accused and has had a price put on his head. Bounty hunter Zane Steadman has finally tracked down the elusive outlaw, and he means to collect the bounty. Zane isn’t prepared for the feelings that Pax brings out in him. The two are caught in an early winter blizzard and wait for the thaw, but the snow and ice aren’t the only things that are getting thawed; Pax finds his heart melting at Zane’s touch. The unscrupulous miner that put the bounty on Pax’s head is out to get him ,and anyone he thinks is in cahoots with Pax. Pax will do anything to guard his newfound love.

Paxton’s Winter is emotional, sweet, and thoroughly western. It features two cowboys, one with a heart broken with grief and one that has the power to heal and learn about love. I really enjoyed both of these characters. Pax has a devil-may-care attitude, because he is trying to protect his heart. Zane starts out the story thinking only of money, not of the man he is taking in. Witnessing his awareness of Pax and his feelings develope is like watching a flower open. Slowly they nurture each other, and the love they find is sweet. It draws the reader in and keeps your interest throughout. I loved the descriptive details in this story. Ms. McKinney describes the clothing and characters so well, it makes the reader feel as if they are right there in the book. I found myself immersed in her novel. I will definitely be reading more of her work.

 *Teagan

Title: Drawn Together

Author:  Z. A. Maxfield
Author’s website: http://www.zamaxfield.com/
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN: 9781596328952
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary - GLBT
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When Rory Delaplaines drives cross country from New Orleans to Long Beach, California, to meet the woman of his dreams and love of his life, all he can think of is how he and manga artist Ran Yamane are fated to be together. It is probably not the most brilliant move of his life, and perhaps he is acting just a wee bit like a stalker, but he resolutely pushes such betraying thoughts to the back of his mind and keeps his attention focused on the task at hand. He is going to meet the beautiful artist, declare his love, and wander off into the sunset with her. That is, if he can find a parking space at the Anime Expo. He is completely unprepared to find out that Yamane is a man, albeit a small and very lovely man, once he approaches the artist to ask for a signature.

While Yamane is used to being mistaken for a girl, he doesn’t especially welcome the attention. Although his initial reaction is to rebuff the delusional Cajun, something about Rory appeals to him, and he ends up befriending the young man instead. He doesn’t plan to get overly involved with Rory, although he’s got nothing against a one-night stand, but when Yamane is attacked by a stalker who also attempts to kill the younger man, they find themselves running for their lives together.

Even though he’s not the woman Rory expected, something about Yamane brings out his protective side. As they flee across country with the stalker close behind, Rory finds himself falling in love, regardless of the sex of his companion. He knows that he will do anything to keep his beloved safe, even sacrifice his own safety. Or his own life. But when their pursuer decides to target Rory’s family in order to get him to turn Yamane over to her, will Rory have to choose between his lover and his family? And even if Rory is able to keep them all alive, there is no guarantee that he will have Yamane to keep for his own forever. The last thing that the two men could be considered is a perfectly matched pair, even though they are drawn together.

Two things drew me to read Drawn Together: my admiration for Z. A. Maxfield’s writing and P.L. Nunn’s eye-catching cover art. I have enjoyed almost everything that I’ve read by Ms. Maxfield, and this story did not disappoint me in the least. It has a bit of a different flavor than her previous offerings, but I still found it to be an involving and highly entertaining read. This story is very clever, from the double meaning of the title and the fact that the cover of the book reflects the manga theme of the story, to the development of the characters and their personalities, to laid-back and almost folksy atmosphere that is elicited throughout the book.

The story of Rory and Yamane flows gracefully throughout, and enough attention is given to the secondary players to make the story very well rounded. Not only do we witness what is happening with the two heroes of the tale, but we also visit occasionally with the antagonist and her “goons” and with law enforcement officers in Rory’s home town. Ms. Maxfield does her usual good job developing the characters, making them interesting and unique. She also gives us some memorable secondary characters and does not cheat them of the attention they deserve. The secondary characters are as carefully crafted as Rory and Yamane are, making them just as real and important to the progress of the story as the two heroes.

Rory and Yamane are as mismatched a pair as you’re going to find in romantic fiction, and this makes for a very lively reading experience. Ms. Maxfield makes us care about these two, but she also places obstacles between them that might separate them as permanently as the physical danger that they face. Rory may give a “Forrest Gump” impression of being somewhat dim and a good ole boy, but he’s actually quite intelligent. He’s blinded by hero worship and love at first, which makes him look a little foolish and not unlike a stalker. He is a compulsive hero, however, always trying to ride in to the rescue, whether or not he has his white horse and shining armor close by. Yamane is much more jaded and wary, having been misused and discarded in the past. He’s afraid that Rory may using him as a “roadside attraction” or a novelty, regardless of Rory’s protestations of love. Even though they are direct opposites, these two men find fun and tenderness together, and the repartee between them is witty and quite endearing.

Title: Wanting Sam     

Author:  Shawn Lane
Author’s website: http://www.authorshawnlane.com/
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Release Date: February 2009
ISBN: 9781419918452
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 3

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Sam lives a boring, vanilla life. Computer programmer by day and online gamer by night, he knows that the label “geek” fits him pretty well, even though he does try to work out and remain healthy. When Sam receives a panicked call from his sister asking him to pick her stranded best friend up from Hollywood, he doesn’t suspect that his beige little world is about to receive a huge injection of color and personality. Or that his safe life will be tipped on edge and shaken like a snow globe.

Krystal is a wannabe actress who has just split with her unfaithful boyfriend, and now she’s stranded in the rain with no place to stay. Thank goodness for her friend’s brother Sam, who rescues her and offers her a place to stay until she can find an acting job. She’s not sure why she never noticed him before, because he is gorgeous, even if he is white and blonde-haired. Sam revs Krystal’s libido like no one else ever has. Never one to be shy about sex or anything else, Krystal is all over Sam within minutes of them arriving back at his apartment. He might be a computer geek, but he is a willing and talented lover, and the two of them find a strong connection in bed.

Although the sex is wonderful, Sam and Krystal are complete opposites: he is an introverted homebody, and she is an extroverted party girl. Sam’s not sure what she sees in him. He has been hurt in the past, so he’s just waiting for Krystal to wake up and realize that she can do a lot better than him. When it appears that Krystal is just using Sam as a way to get back at her ex-boyfriend, he knows that he was right about her feelings for him – he’s just convenient sex and a place to stay. When he cuts off the relationship to protect himself, he figures that he has done the right thing. However, in the process, he breaks more than his own heart – he crushes hers as well. Suddenly his vanilla life feels empty, dull, and entirely lacking, and he realizes that sometimes you just don’t appreciate what you have until it is gone from your life forever.

Shawn Lane’s Wanting Sam is a story about opposites attracting each other. It is a quick read that mostly focuses on the physical relationship between the two main characters and how that doesn’t make up for the fact that they have nothing else in common. This story is well-written and a quick and easy read. It has well-developed and imperfect characters and a believable plot.

Sam and Krystal are a unique couple. At the risk of sounding like a prude, I did not particularly enjoy Krystal’s sexual aggressiveness and opportunism. She is a strong and colorful character and might be a likeable individual if we got to know her a little better, but I couldn’t get past my feeling that she is indeed using Sam just as he suspects she is. She has a bit of a double standard: she becomes possessive of Sam right off the bat; however, she doesn’t appreciate it when he begins to feel the same way. Sam, while a slightly more sympathetic character in my eyes, has more than his fair share of quirks as well. He is overly self-deprecating, clueless about how to conduct a relationship, and very quick to believe the worst about Krystal. Oh dear…he sounds like a real person, doesn’t he?

There is one thing that this couple does very well besides have sex is every position imaginable, however. They are absolute pros at doubting and hurting each other. Their relationship is completely dysfunctional, and regardless of the ending of this story, I am not convinced that they will be able make it work between them. At least they have a happily-for-now, though. They need to grab their happiness when it’s available, because these two have a bumpy ride ahead of them.

To sum this story up, Wanting Sam is about real people, real problems, and fantasy sex. There are no flowers and sunshine and stars in their eyes, but if you’re simply looking for a quick sexy read, here it is.

--Bobby